By Most newlyweds treasure having photographic keepsakes of their special day, but perhaps don’t have a large budget to work with. A friend or relative with skill and a good eye could take your photos at a much lower cost to you. So, if you find yourself not being able to afford a photographer, or want to make sure you have creative control over the images, be sure to carry on reading to discover our Top 10 recommended products needed to capture those special moments and photograph your own wedding.
1. Full Frame Camera
Nikon D850 Camera
A high end, full frame camera allows you to take sharper, detailed, high-definition pictures that allow for resizing without losing any of these qualities. It also tends to be well built, weather-resistant and dependable under extreme use. Full frame cameras work well on high ISO settings, which makes it possible to add stunning visual effects to the final pictures.
2. Backup Camera
Olympus PEN E-PL9
Even the best cameras can malfunction, and usually at the most inconvenient time. Having this happen with only one camera in tow ultimately spells disaster, so having a second camera available is a must. The backup camera can be a slightly lower-end camera than your primary unit, but it should still be able to produce high-quality images. Having a second camera is also helpful for getting different types of shots without having to stop and change out accessories – and possibly missing a once-in-a-lifetime moment, like the exchanging of rings.
3. Lenses
Camera Lenses
Your lens is your digital eye for capturing your subjects from varying distances, light levels and focal points. It should be flexible enough to shoot both outdoors and indoors and go from daytime to night with ease. A photographer will usually have two main lenses to cover all potential shooting scenarios: a 24-70 mm lens for spotlighting your main subjects, and a 70-200mm lens to more easily capture long-distance shots. Of course, if you wanted to use more specialized lenses, you could invest in a wide angle, macro or fisheye lens to get specific photo effects the multi-purpose lenses can’t capture.
4. Lighting Enhancers (Flashes, Monolights, Wireless triggers)
Monolight
Even with the best of lenses, you may have trouble getting unwanted fill shadows out of your pictures. A mountable external lighting device will help to even out the light levels so your subject can be seen. A standard flash (or two, or four!) or a mono-light, a higher-powered flash that has built-in modelling lights and optional reflectors, will help bring in light from more angles to better define the photo’s subject matter. Monolights can also light up photo booths, the head table or dance floor, or enhance the background of more formal portraits. Wireless triggers, or wireless slaves, connect to the camera and lighting devices for more flexibility with flash timing and frequency or remotely operating the second camera.
5. High Capacity Memory Card:
Memory Card
Digital cameras mean endless multiple snaps – you can take more pictures without having to worry about conserving film. To save these photos you’ll need a good memory card; the higher the memory capacity, the faster it processes. You can probably shoot the entire wedding day on one 32GB or 64GB memory card, though it might be a good idea to have more than one card just in case it’s needed or a card with a bigger capacity. Visit our website now to view MyMemory’s full range of memory cards.
6. Extra Batteries
Extra Camera Batteries
The minute you think you have enough battery power for everything, that’s the exact moment where you need more. The more features that get added to each new model of camera, it seems the less time the camera battery actually lasts. A good battery should hold its charge for several hours, but having extra fully charged camera batteries is insurance that you can cover the entire event with little to no interruption.
7. Light Diffusers & Modifiers
Light Diffuser
Sometimes you want to create a softer, more natural looking light indoors. Light modification tools such as diffusers, umbrellas and reflectors allow a focused light source to bounce around your subject in a more flattering manner. You can also play with coloured lighting using light modifiers to add different effects to your photos.
8. Stabilizers (Monopods, Tripods)
Tripod
Photographers have tricks they can use to steady their cameras so they don’t unintentionally take blurry shots. The most effective way to do so is to mount the camera on a stand that will stabilize it enough to reduce human tremors from ruining your picture. Tripods are three-legged stands that hold the camera still in a fixed location, while monopods are single-legged mobile stands that secure the camera while you move around the room taking photos. These stabilizers aid the photographer in getting the clearest shots possible.
9. Super Clamps
Super Clamps
Clamps have multiple functions that are helpful to the solo photographer. A clamp will secure a light, a camera or any other piece of equipment you need to be held in place. Clamps are a bit more versatile than the stands since clamps can clip to nearly any surface, like pipes, bannisters, and tables. And since they’re much smaller, you can carry more clamps with you more easily than you would another tripod.
10. Carrying Case
Camera Bag – Carrying Case
You now have a lot of nifty gadgets to help you take photos. But you have to tote all that stuff around without losing or breaking anything. A sturdy, roomy, cushioned bag with compartments for all of your gadgets is probably the most important accessory you’ll get. Something that’s easy to carry or roll around is also a plus.
With the right tools, capturing memories of your wedding day can be a positive experience – giving your stunning visual remembrances without putting a strain on your wallet.
Head to our website now to find photography accessories to help you capture your special day and ensure the process runs smoothly.
Author Bio: This was post was written by Carolyn Anderson from Northwood Rings. Northwood Rings provides handcrafted wooden rings from a variety of types of timber for people who want to have nature incorporated into their stories.
What you need to shoot weddings as an amateur is not loads of gear but confidence, a good manner dealing with people in a setting like this and a creative eye for good images.
If you’re charging for wedding photography you will know this and should have the gear you really need already.
Full frame isn’t necessary, a bag of lenses and loads of kit will only make it harder for you. It’s the computer *behind* the camera that is the main thing you need, an amateur can get the important images with 2 or 3 lenses. I know, I’ve been there and done it.
Hey Simone,
Thanks for your feedback. It’s always great to get opinions from a different perspective!
Are you a photographer yourself?
Best Regards,
Anya